Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Writing Copy? Why Grammar Is Not Everything and What You Should Do About It
Content matters, first and foremost
Content in this context refers to substance – the overall worth of the write-up. It doesn’t refer to the number of words used or type of words you chose to use. What does your write-up say? What value can the readers get out of it? Are you substituting good grammar and big words because you have nothing else to say?
Although you shouldn’t be afraid of big words, it's always better not to complicate things for your readers. Determine your target audience first – their interests, capacity, what they find useful and interesting – and then write for them. By placing more importance on what your readers can get out of your write-up, you will be producing more substance out of your copy. After all, what's great grammar if there's nothing good in what you have to say?
Focusing solely on grammar is distracting
One common mistake among writers is obsessing about grammar when they begin to write. As a result, they get distracted, derailed from their train of thought. Imagine having a really terrific idea and then worrying over where to place a comma or which clause to use first. The great ideas and content that could have come out of you as a writer and made your writing better can get lost or confused with other ideas and concerns.
When writing, don't worry too much about grammar, at least at first. Write down words as they come to you. Don't let the subject of grammar bother you when inspiration strikes. Only when you're done should you then go over what you have written to check and improve it. Only then should grammar be a concern. After all, how can you proofread something you haven't even written yet?
Even the greatest focused on substance and not on form
The great American writers Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner had a famous rivalry. Faulkner, a writer praised for his intricate prose style (that initially confused his readers), criticized Hemingway's trademark simplicity.
Hemingway fired back, saying that there are 'simpler and better words', even saying that Faulkner shouldn’t think that 'big emotions come from big words'. Refusing to give in and use what he called '10-dollar words', Hemingway continued to write in his simple, easy style. He is still a well-loved and much-admired author today.
Grammar is not everything, but...
Grammar may not be everything but it is still a major component of good copy. You can't just ignore the value of good grammar because it isn't the be-all and end-all of writing.
Good grammar is equated to professionalism and is considered the true sign of a skilled and experienced professional. Furthermore, it's also considered as one of the signs that what you have written is reliable. Bad grammar, on the other hand, is for amateurs, lazy writers and scammers.
Although grammar is not everything in writing copy, don't ignore it. Use it as a means to improve what you have already written and progress as a writer.
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Unbridled Writing: 6 Ways to Make Your Copy Flow
Use an outline
Before you begin a writing project or an article, write a short, simple outline about the topic. Use headlines, sub-headings and a list of topics under each one. This will serve as a map to help guide you on what to write. This is also a good reference if you wish to have an overview of how the write-up will progress and be unveiled to the reader. This will help make your copy flow just when you need it most.
The outline will also help control your writing. Sometimes you can get carried away by emotions, mood or inspiration. The result – you produce too much content that you probably won't need to make your copy worthwhile. With an outline, you know exactly the kind of ideas you want to use and exclude those that do not belong.
Use an idea book
Inspiration can strike from anywhere. When it does, you can't really choose the time or the location. It happened to Michael Jackson once, when he was on board a plane. The music and lyrics to a song came to him but since he couldn’t write music and had no recording device with him, he had to endure the long flight with the music ringing in his head.
It was only when the plane touched down and he could finally record the music that he was able to write the song. The song, titled 'Muscles', later on became a hit for diva Diana Ross.
Like Jackson, how often have you been touched by the Muses only to find out that you have nothing to write with because you're in the middle of a party or putting on make-up in the bathroom?
Make sure that when you're blessed with an idea, you're ready. Keep a small notepad in your purse or around your work area. When an idea comes, write it down immediately. Don't wait. Memory can be very slippery and confusing so don't rely on it too much. Write the idea down, record it, paint it, illustrate it – anything that will help remind you later. So when it's time to write, you can make copy flow and not have any problems producing a write-up.
Allow topics to transition
To make copy flow when writing, allow relational progression from one topic to the next. If you have an outline, this is rather easy to do because you have a sense of which topic to write about in the next sentence or paragraph.
Don't try to impress or worry about grammar... yet
You cannot make your copy flow if you keep getting distracted by other tasks such as editing or proofreading. Forget about these things at first. Your job is to write, so do it and stop worrying about correct grammar or spelling. If you're using a word processor, making the corrections will be a breeze later. Write as the thoughts come to you and don't interrupt.
Review what you've written
In many cases, when you're stumped in the middle of an article, you could refresh your mind by going through what you have already written. This will help remind your brain of the message you're trying to get across.
Write. Just write
Oftentimes, the best way to make your copy flow is to keep writing. Again, worry about the outcome later. You can always go back and make revisions. For now, write what you know, unleash your creativity and keep writing.
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Copywriting Secrets
Ted Cantu and Joseph Dadich talk about how to write dynamic sales copy. They break down secret techniques to write effective sales copy. More from www.911copywriters.com
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